Fantasy Baseball 2012: Position-by-Position Breakdown

Over the next nine slides, I'll provide an abridged-version look at the depth, quality and overall viability of the respective fantasy positions: catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, outfield, DH and pitchers, both starters and relievers.

The goal for all projects, big or small, is to enlighten, entertain and inform readers, but this exercise doesn't necessarily replace the hard work and preparation that is absolutely essential to the process.

Do your homework, watch Grapefruit and Cactus games on MLB Network, scan box scores on the Web, participate in as many mock drafts as humanly possible and read every possible nugget from The Fantasy Blog—even if it's to deride certain philosophies and strategies for building the best possible 25-man roster.

Catcher: Carlos Santana, Indians

Skinny: The catcher position isn't blessed with amazing depth (17 draft-worthy players) or Mike Piazza-in-his-prime hitters, but that's OK. Since most 12-team leagues require only one catcher, fantasy owners shouldn't feel rushed to acquire Carlos Santana, Mike Napoli, Brian McCann, Buster Posey, Joe Mauer earlier than Rounds 5-9...or Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy at Round 21.

First Base: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

Skinny: Most fantasy owners roster three 1B-eligible assets, so it's important to strike early and often at this vital position. At the top, it's imperative to land Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols, Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder or Mark Texieira. Later on, find space for future studs Paul Goldschmidt (Round 12), Ike Davis (15), or even Justin Smoak (23).

Second Base: Robinson Cano, Yankees

Skinny: Thanks to a fresh wave of potential stars (Dustin Ackley, Jason Kipnis, Jemile Weeks, Neil Walker, Johnny Giavotella), second base is a fantasy position on the rise. Of course, that doesn't excuse owners from ignoring Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler or Dan Uggla in Rounds 1-4. That quartet remains the foundation of a 2B class that goes 18-19 deep.

Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

Skinny: I view the shortstop class as two separate entities. The top six assets (Troy Tulowitzki, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Elvis Andrus, Starlin Castro, Asdrubal Cabrera) have the elite makeup to carry their 5x5 teams in long stretches. The next 17 players—from Jimmy Rollins to Alcides Escobar—can be absolute factors in 1-3 categories throughout the season. Address this position early on draft day.

Third Base: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

Skinny: There are plenty of comings and goings at the hot corner. By mid-April, Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez will most likely have full 3B-eligibility, and barring a major injury to Toronto's Brett Lawrie, 2012 shall be Jose Bautista's last year with 3B/OF eligibility.

The position, on the whole, goes about 18 deep, so find time to draft Mike Moustakas and/or Matt Gamel in the latter rounds.

Outfield: Matt Kemp, Dodgders

Skinny: For those playing in leagues that require only three outfield starters, have no worries. For those in leagues which require five starters, here's the rule of thumb: Draft at least one outfielder every four rounds, unless you enjoy playing with fire at a position that's deceptively thin after Josh Willingham.

One last thing: DO NOT walk away from a 25-player draft without getting Lorenzo Cain, Denard Span, Eric Thames, Mike Trout or Travis Snider in the final round.

Designated Hitter: David Ortiz, Red Sox

Skinny: Since very few leagues require a "DH" slot, fantasy owners will likely consider only seven hitters from this class: David Ortiz, Michael Young, Billy Butler, Adam Dunn, Edwin Encarnacion, Travis Hafner and rookie Jesus Montero. They're all respectable values from Rounds 6-18.

Starting Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Skinny: It's virtually impossible to win a roto championship with mediocre-to-bad pitching, yet fantasy owners must continually walk that tightrope of getting the perfect draft-slot value at every turn.

My strategy: Draft two elite starting pitchers in the first eight rounds, before systematically addressing the position six times (including two closers) between Rounds 9-17.

My advice: Just keep shopping off this Denny's menu of the Top 40 pitchers...and then Nos. 41-80.

Relief Pitcher: Craig Kimbrel, Braves

Skinny: We could pretend to treat relievers like four or five-category assets during Spring Training, but let's face it—you only care about saves and (maybe) ERA for closers, and wins, strikeouts and (maybe) WHIP for long relievers.

In 12-team roto leagues with 25-man rosters, most owners shoot for acquiring two or three closers and a setup handcuff to one of their closers. In essence, they're doing the acceptable minimum to avoid finishing last in saves, allowing roster space for seven viable starters or highly effective long relievers to flourish in the other four categories.